Perched on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Mazatlan attracts travelers with a penchant for outdoor adventure and beachside relaxation. On the beaches of the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone), soak up year-round sunshine while admiring the bright, colorful architecture in the historic center. One of the top things to do in Mazatlan is to watch a cliff-diving show where fearless divers plunge into the ocean from soaring heights. And thanks to its location at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, Mazatlan allows thrill-seekers to easily experience ATV rides and ziplining courses.
Mazatlan’s golden beaches fill up with sun-seeking crowds in the winter months, while a lineup of big events keeps the energy high through spring. Parades and puppets mark the start of Carnival in February, and Mazatlan becomes party central for spring break revelry, which hits a fever pitch in March. For sun-soaked relaxation without the crowds, October and November are a sweet spot after a steamy summer.
You can navigate Old Mazatlan and its neighboring attractions on foot relatively easily, but to see other sites you’ll need to rent a car, hail a cab, or hop on a bus. Mazatlan’s bus system includes a route that runs back and forth from the marina down through the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) and into the Old Town. Although more expensive than a regular taxi, first-time visitors might want to take a ride in the popular pulmonías—tricked-out golf carts or modified VW Beetles that blast music.
The primary tourist beaches—Playa las Gaviotas and Playa Sabalo—that line the Golden Zone are clean, convenient, and often crowded. Further north, you’ll find quieter options like Playa Cerritos and Playa Brujas, which are accessible by bus. For more excitement, visit the cliff divers in Mazatlan, who dive from a rock formation about 45-feet (13 meters) high into water only about 5-6 feet (2-3 meters) deep. The best time to see them is in the morning.
